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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
12 Jul 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Gold winning 2023 Birmingham Parks re-creation of the Chelsea Flower Show piece at Cannon Hill Park

In May 2023, Cofton Nursery on behalf of Birmingham City Council, once again won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show with their winning entry Birmingham Parks. In July 2023, they are re-creating it at Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston. Located close to Mini Golf and the tennis courts. Was a rainy day when I found it.

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Gold winning 2023 Birmingham Parks re-creation of the Chelsea Flower Show piece at Cannon Hill Park





In May 2023, Cofton Nursery on behalf of Birmingham City Council, once again won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show with their winning entry Birmingham Parks. In July 2023, they are re-creating it at Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston. Located close to Mini Golf and the tennis courts. Was a rainy day when I found it.


Usually Cofton Nursery would split their Gold winning Chelsea Flower Show display between Victoria Square and Cathedral Square. But Victoria Square in Birmingham City Centre is unavailable due to the public realm works, and the renovation works at the Birmingham Council House, and Cathedral Square not used this time, maybe as the Cathedral is under scaffolding for the Divine Beauty project.

 

But in the past, Cofton Nursery have put previous Chelsea Flower Show winning displays in Cannon Hill Park (or part of the displays).

In July 2023, they installed a partial re-creation of their winning entry in Cannon Hill Park, located close to Mini Golf and the tennis courts.

It is called Birmingham Parks.

 

It was raining a lot on the walk into the park from the Pershore Road entrance (near the Wildlife Conservation Park) and the bridges near the Queen's Ride car park.

But the rain started to slow down or stop by the time I located the piece.

It looks a bit incomplete.

They will probably complete it in a few weeks time when they have more staff to do it. Looks good so far.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
26 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Walk up the Tame Valley Canal from Tame Bridge Parkway towards Great Barr

I got the train to Tame Bridge Parkway Station in Sandwell, and had a walk in the hot weather along part of the Tame Valley Canal. This bit goes near the M5 and M6 motorways. I got off at the Newton Road Bridge in Great Barr (then tried to make my way to Hamstead for the next train to Birmingham). Was probably too hot and humid to do the walk.

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Walk up the Tame Valley Canal from Tame Bridge Parkway towards Great Barr





I got the train to Tame Bridge Parkway Station in Sandwell, and had a walk in the hot weather along part of the Tame Valley Canal. This bit goes near the M5 and M6 motorways. I got off at the Newton Road Bridge in Great Barr (then tried to make my way to Hamstead for the next train to Birmingham). Was probably too hot and humid to do the walk.


After arriving at Tame Bridge Parkway Station on Saturday 24th June 2023, left the station via the entrance / exit on the Walsall Road, then headed onto Navigation Lane, to get onto the Tame Valley Canal.

 

Stonecross Bridge

The Stonecross Bridge, also called Friar Park Bridge or the Walsall Road Bridge. I did not walk in that direction, as was heading to a couple of aqueducts nearby.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Navigation Lane Aqueduct

This aqueduct crosses over Navigation Lane, and is Grade II listed. Was built 1841-44.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grand Junction Aqueduct

This aqueduct is near Tame Bridge Parkway Station (opened in 1990). Was built over the Grand Junction Railway (now part of the Birmingham New Street via Perry Barr to Walsall line). Grade II listed, it opened in 1844. There is good views of the station from up here, as well as to the Bescot Yard, Bescot Stadium and The RAC building near the M6 motorway.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grand%20Junction%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Motorway Aqueduct

The next aqueduct crosses over the M5 motorway, to the north west, with it's junction with the M6. The River Tame is also near here, but didn't see it.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

River Tame Aqueduct

One more aqueduct, this one crosses over the River Tame. Only had views of the M6 heading in this direction, or the Birmingham skyline and nearby tower blocks.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20aqueduct%20RT%2024062023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grey Heron

On the section of the Tame Valley Canal beyond the first M5 crossing, saw several grey herons.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grey%20heron%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rushall Junction

At this point on the Tame Valley Canal, is Rushall Junction where it joins onto the Rushall Canal. The Rushall Junction Bridge on the left.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rushall%20Jcn%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rushall Canal

The start of the Rushall Canal from the Rushall Junction Bridge on the Tame Valley Canal. Bridge in front carries the M6 motorway. Catshill Junction is about 8 miles and 9 locks away on this canal.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rushall%20Canal%20Jcn%2024062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brickfields Bridge

At this point, the towpath switches sides at the Brickfields Bridge. Behind is a pair of M5 motorway bridges, which go from the south west to north east, and join onto the M6. This footbridge is Grade II listed and dates to 1844.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 1

The first M5 link bridge can be seen from the Brickfields Bridge as you cross it, or as you walk or cycle under it. This is for traffic heading to the end of the M5 and onto the M6 going east.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 2

The second M5 link bridge. Seen after walking under it. This is for traffic leaving the M6 and heading onto the M5 motorway, heading south west.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brickfields Turnover Bridge

One more Victorian footbridge. Grade II listed, it dates to 1844. Formerly a road bridge apparently. Not sure where it went, but was a man fishing on the other side, and someone with their dog. The Brickfields Turnover Bridge probably links to nearby Chatsworth Avenue.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Newton Road Bridge

A very high (compared to the canal) road bridge on Newton Road in Great Barr. I took my exit here. Was very hot and sweaty by this point.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Could of continued to Hamstead and Perry Barr, but left at Great Barr, then tried to get to Hamstead on foot. But at one point caught a no 16 bus to the Scott Arms in Great Barr, before getting another 16 (probably the same one) to Hamstead Station.

 

In future, maybe best to do these canal walks in cooler weather. It was just too hot and warm. Plus there was the usual illegal off-road motorbikes I encountered on the canal. They were also on a path in a field that lead to Sandwell Valley.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Your Place Your Space Green open spaces
18 Jun 2023 - Your Place Your Space
Gallery

Gardens at Winterbourne House - stunning!

A visit to Winterbourne House gardens is highly recommended. Here we share some photography taken by follower of Birmingham Gems, Jack Babbington during a visit to Winterbourne House in June 2023.  Enjoy!

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Gardens at Winterbourne House - stunning!





A visit to Winterbourne House gardens is highly recommended. Here we share some photography taken by follower of Birmingham Gems, Jack Babbington during a visit to Winterbourne House in June 2023.  Enjoy!


Here is a selection of stunning photography of Winterbourne House Gardens.  

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We hope you have enjoyed our photography.

Why not go and experience this great Birmingham Gem for yourself.

Thank you Jack Babbington for sharing his photography.

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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
18 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham

Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.

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Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham





Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.


A visit to the Secret Garden on the 25th April 2023. Remember if you come up here, do not use your drone! It is not allowed!

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2025042023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In mid spring, the flowers were looking quite lush on the seventh floor garden terrace.

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Red flowers seen at the Secret Garden on the 1st June 2023. Google Lens say that they are Avens.

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The quick visit of the 14th June 2023. The flowers and plants are in full bloom, the sky was blue, and it was hot during the June Summer 2023 heatwave!

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
20 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Walk on the Walsall Canal from New Art Gallery Walsall to the James Bridge Aqueduct

On Saturday 15th April 2023, a walk along the Walsall Canal, starting from New Art Gallery Walsall (with a Costa Coffee visit, and look around the gallery first). Then up the Walsall Town Arm, before walking in the direction of the M6 motorway and getting off at the James Bridge Aqueduct. Ended up getting a 39 bus back into Walsall Town Centre, before the train back to Birmingham.

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Walk on the Walsall Canal from New Art Gallery Walsall to the James Bridge Aqueduct





On Saturday 15th April 2023, a walk along the Walsall Canal, starting from New Art Gallery Walsall (with a Costa Coffee visit, and look around the gallery first). Then up the Walsall Town Arm, before walking in the direction of the M6 motorway and getting off at the James Bridge Aqueduct. Ended up getting a 39 bus back into Walsall Town Centre, before the train back to Birmingham.


Getting the train from Birmingham New Street to Walsall on Saturday 15th April 2023. New Art Gallery Walsall was minutes walk away from Walsall Station, and at first went to Costa Coffee for a drink, before a look around the gallery. My first visit in around 9 years.

Then after I left the gallery, walked up the Walsall Town Arm, before going onto the Walsall Canal. Aimed to get as far as the M6 motorway at least, and the James Bridge Aqueduct. Was thinking of going a bit further, but it was far enough. Then though about a walk to Bescot Stadium Station, but saw a no 39 bus coming on James Bridge, and caught that back to the Saddlers Shopping Centre for the shortcut into Walsall Station.

 

New Art Gallery Walsall

View of the Walsall Town Basin at the end of the Walsall Town Arm from an upper level at the New Art Gallery Walsall. Premier Inn hotel with Brewers Fayre restaurant on the right. Behind is the Waterfront retail park, with The Light Cinema Walsall and The Waterfront bar (Hungry Horse). Below on the left is Piri Fino.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/NAGW%20Walsall%20Town%20Arm%2015042023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walsall Town Arm

The Walsall Town Arm is a short branch off the Walsall Canal to Walsall Town Centre, with modern developments. But just before the basin, appears to be algae at the moment, so not sure if this canal is currently navigable or not. Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre on the left, with Costa Coffee and The New Art Gallery Walsall straight ahead.

dndimg alt="Walsall Town Arm" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Town%20Arm%2015042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Walsall Locks

Just after the end of the Walsall Town Arm, is the actual Walsall Canal. The Southern Locks of the Walsall Locks is Grade II listed, and is near the Wolverhampton Road Bridge. I did not go that way, but only briefly crossed the Bridgeman Street Bridge to see a mural in full from the other side of the canal.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Locks%20WC%2015042023.JPG" />

 

Bridgeman Street Bridge

You leave Walsall Town Centre under the Bridgeman Street Bridge. The towpath switches sides here. If you head north, you go to Birchills Junction, where the Walsall Canal joins the Wyrley and Essington Canal. This walk though headed in a south west direction.

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Rollingmill Street Bridge

The first bridge you pass heading south between Bridgeman Street and Rollingmill Street is the Rollingmill Street Bridge. Just beyond here is Queen Street Cemetery & Sister Dora Gardens.

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Branch to Old Gas Works

To the left is an old basin, bit of a waste dump, and overgrown now. On the right is an old canal side warehouse building.

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Pagett's Bridge

The next bridge to come across is the Pagett's Bridge. On Pleck Road above is Champy's Bradford Arms.

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Woodward's Bridge

On Woodward's Road is Woodward's Bridge. Near here is a Sikh temple called the Nanaksar Gurdwara. The Pleck Sikh Community Centre is on Wellington Street.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Woodwards%20Bridge%20WC%2015042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Scarborough Road Bridge

The last residential bridge is on Scarborough Road, the Scarborough Road Bridge.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scarborough%20Rd%20Bridge%20WC%2015042023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Reservoir Place Bridge

Starts to get a bit industrial and derelict, when you get to the Reservoir Place Bridge, with is on Reservoir Place of course. This bridge was built in 1992.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Reservoir%20Pl%20Bridge%20WC%2015042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spinks Bridge

The Spinks Bridge is concrete, and out of use by the looks of it. Development to the right, and getting close to the M6 motorway. South Staffordshire Tramway Generating Station used to be to the left of here.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spinks%20Bridge%20WC%2015042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M6 Motorway Bridge

Getting to the west of Walsall, is the M6 Motorway Bridge, which of course carries the M6 motorway overhead.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M6%20Motorway%20Bridge%20WC%2015042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

James Bridge Aqueduct

I was aiming to walk at least as far as the James Bridge Aqueduct, although originally thought of going a bit further. The aqueduct was opened in 1797, and is Grade II listed. Below is Bentley Mill Way.

dndimg alt="Walsall Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/James%20Bridge%20Aq%20WC%2015042023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Beyond which I did not get to see, was another aqueduct over a railway line, plus a couple more bridges. But the walk was long enough, plus had to see the aqeuduct from road level, and the River Tame was down there. Bus stop was on James Bridge, and got the 39 back into Walsall Town Centre, then went into the Saddlers Shopping Centre, to catch a train back from Walsall to Birmingham New Street.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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